The Selma Times-Journal offers the following endorsements in select races from Tuesday’s primary elections. We encourage everyone to come out and vote for candidates you support.

District Attorney: Times-Journal endorses Michael Jackson

One of the biggest surprises of this election year was when attorney Faya Toure decided to challenge incumbent Michael Jackson for district attorney.

Jackson has served as district attorney for more than 11 years and thus is well positioned to be reelected for another term.

He has been tough, but fair, on crime and has worked with the Violent Crimes Task Force this past year to get gangbangers off the streets, particularly in Selmont and around Craig Field, and roundup those with outstanding warrants.

Jackson has also shown concern and empathy for the victims of crimes and their families. He also works in our schools and is often seen at events throughout the community.

He is transparent in how the District Attorney’s office operates. Over the years, he has been open to the workings of his office and answers the tough questions.

Jackson is also someone who appears to have great working relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement and court officials. He was named District Attorney of the Year by other DAs in 2013.

If Jackson is someone who unites, his opponent is someone who is viewed by many as divisive in the community. Whether you agree with her or not, Toure is Dallas County’s best-known activist and has rallied for causes close to her for decades.

Despite that role, and being married to longtime State Sen. Hank Sanders, Toure has never held public office. She has used her campaign as a form of protest while highlighting issues like bond discrepancies and incarceration rates.

Being district attorney isn’t about protest or pitting one group against another. It’s about working for justice for everyone.

Voters in Dallas and other counties in the Fourth Judicial Circuit need someone with experience, who will be fair but also dedicated to keeping our communities safe.

Michael Jackson is by far the best choice to get the job done.

Circuit Court Judge: Times-Journal endorses Jana Garner

Voters in Dallas, Bibb, Hale, Perry and Wilcox counties have two qualified candidates to choose from in the race for circuit court judge.

Jana Garner and Don McMillan have years of experience and are well thought of in their communities and in the court system. Both grew up in the Black Belt and know the unique challenges facing our courts.

We think either candidate would work hard and be a fine successor of Judge Jack Meigs, who is retiring this year after serving 24 years on the bench.

McMillan has 20 years of experience as an assistant district attorney, assistant attorney general and current Perry County district judge.

As a trial attorney and judge, he has two decades of experience to draw from should he be elected circuit judge.

Garner has spent her entire working life advocating for families, and specifically children, and has an exemplary record of service to the people and families of the Fourth Judicial Circuit.

Through her dedication to the rule of law, Garner has been recognized by her peers numerous times, even being given the 2013 Alabama State Bar’s President’s Award for exemplary service to the legal profession.

Not only can she talk the talk, but also she can walk the walk, investing the time and energy to help those who seek responsible, and fair treatment by the court system.

While she is from Dallas County, we endorse Garner not just for her hometown ties, but also because she will work hard to ensure justice for those in Selma and Dallas County, and her work to help families and children.

Over the past 18 years, she has represented and advocated for individuals and families as well as businesses in both civil and criminal matters. She has also played a large role with the Alabama State Bar, particularly with pro bono work and providing free legal help for those less fortunate.

We think Garner would be a fair judge, but also one who cares, and Dallas County would be well served by her election.

County Commission: STJ endorses Towns, Williams and Nickles

We are encouraged to see more candidates run for Dallas County Commission this election than last time around. It’s good to hear new ideas from fresh faces.

In District 1, Jelani Coleman and Valerie Price Reubin are challenging incumbent Connel Towns. While Roy Moore is running unopposed for District 2, that’s not the case in District 3, which will see incumbent Curtis Williams facing Darryl Moore.

District 4 also has three candidates, with Raymond Butler and John Lumpkin challenging incumbent Larry Nickles.

We wish all the candidates well, but think Towns, Williams and Nickles have provided the commission with strong, steady leadership and we endorse their reelections.

The current commission, along with Probate Judge Kim Ballard, works well together and stays above the fray even when disagreeing. The same thing cannot be said for all local governing bodies.

The commission finds a way to balance a budget every year and also have had clean audits. They also respond to the needs of their constituents.

A great example of that is their work to reopen Paul Grist State Park, which now operates under county control after the state shuttered it last fall amid budget cuts.

Based on their service and response to the needs of the people, we think Towns, Williams and Nickles deserve another term to continue their work.